Finance Officer (FO) - Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme

AI summary

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is recruiting a Finance Officer for the National Programme Management Unit of the IFAD- and AFD-supported Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme. The contract role is based at the National Programme Coordination Office in Wuse 2, Abuja, and reports directly to the National Programme Coordinator, supporting fiduciary oversight across participating states.

• Contract position under a major donor-supported agricultural programme
• Based in Wuse 2, Abuja at the National Programme Coordination Office
• Reports directly to the National Programme Coordinator
• Supports finance and fiduciary oversight across nine participating states
• Programme backed by IFAD and the French Development Agency

Original source description

Finance Officer (FO) - Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme at Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) ⏲ Aug 27, 2026, 9:05 AM ⋕ View all Banking & Financial Services jobs The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies and strategies in the Nigeria’s agricultural sector, to sufficiently provide food for an increasing population, adequate supply of raw materials to a growing industrial sector, effectively expand the market for crop, livestock, agro and agro-allied products, continually create employment opportunities, and to widely diversify the economy, for national development. The Ministry provides resources to the sector for the implementation of various projects and programmes. The efforts is complemented with the support and funding from donor partners in the implementation of various agricultural projects and programmes in the country. Applications are invited from suitable candidates to fill the position below for the National Programme Management Unit of the Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme: Job Title: Finance Officer (FO) - Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme Location: Wuse 2, Abuja (VCN National Programme Coordination Office (NPCO)) Job Type: Contract Reports to: Directly to the National Programme Coordinator. Participating States: Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi and Kano. Background The Value Chain for Northern Nigeria (VCN) Programme is a flagship initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria, implemented through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the French Development Agency (AFD). The overall development objective of VCN is to increase incomes, food security, and resilience of smallholder farmers and other value chain actors in Northern Nigeria through competitive, climate‑resilient, and inclusive agricultural value chains. Specifically, the Programme aims to transform priority agricultural value chains in Northern Nigeria to drive food security, employment, and inclusive economic growth, with a strong focus on women, youth, and vulnerable groups. The Programme is financed through multiple financing sources, including IFAD and AFD loans and will run until 31 March 2034 (financial closure: 30 September 2034). Implementation of the programme will be based on a decentralised approach through federal and state programme implementation units under the coordination of the Federal Department of Development Partners Projects (FD‑DPP). The National Programme Coordinating Office (NPCO) will be based in Abuja, and the State Programme Implementation Unit (SPIU) in each participating state. The participating states are: Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi and Kano. The NPMU will be staffed by a multidisciplinary team, including: National Programme Coordinator, Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist, Agricultural Production and Rural Infrastructure Specialists, Rural Institutions Development Specialist, Knowledge Management and Communication Specialist, Food & Nutrition Specialist, ICT4D Support Specialist, Gender & Social Inclusion and GALS Specialists, Climate & Environment Specialist, Financial Controller, Accountant, Finance Officer, Senior Internal Auditor, Procurement Specialist and Officers, and National administrative and HR support staff. State Programme Implementation Unit will mirror these functions (with a few exceptions) at the state level, ensuring strong fiduciary oversight, timely reporting from SPIU, and harmonized accounting procedures resulting in an effective last‑mile delivery. Governance and accountability will be anchored in a National Steering Committee, supported by technical committees as required, to provide policy guidance, ensure alignment with national priorities, and resolve strategic bottlenecks. The implementation of the project will include high-risk operating environments, hence project staff/specialists at both National and State levels must possess the skills and expertise to work in fragile areas, demonstrating a high level of sensitivity to conflict and crisis situations. Additionally, prior experience: of project staff/specialist in remote project monitoring and implementation using dedicated tools to effectively track project activities would be crucial. Position Overview The Finance Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Finance Controller, in close collaboration with the Accountant at NPCO Management Officer, to oversee the establishment and proper maintenance of the finance. Key Responsibilities: Support bank reconciliations, follow-up on advances, and collection of documentation from implementing units under the guidance of the Accountant and Financial Controller. Support preparation of routine financial information without approving disbursements, signing off donor reports, managing external audits, or conducting independent internal control reviews. Contribute to the development and implementation of financial management systems and procedures. Before processing payment documentation or supporting expenditure recording, verify that the required supporting documents are complete and that there is adequate evidence that the related goods, works, or services were delivered to, received by, or used for the intended beneficiaries or implementing units. Provide operational support to the finance function, including payment processing, verification of supporting documents, filing and archiving, expenditure tracking, and data entry in the accounting system. Support document filing, scanning, and electronic archiving of payment and accounting records, and assist in maintaining supplier, contract, fixed asset, advance, and reconciliation files to ensure that transactions can be traced from approval and procurement through payment, accounting entry, and delivery evidence. Work closely with project staff to ensure proper documentation and justification of all project expenditures. Process payment documentation and support fund disbursement procedures in line with approved budgets, donor requirements, and established authorization processes. Prepare supporting schedules, reconciliations, and draft financial data for review by the Accountant and Financial Controller. Ensure compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) cash basis, applicable Government of Nigeria requirements, IFAD/AFD reporting requirements, and relevant project financial procedures. Assist with financial data analysis and provide supporting documentation requested for external audit, under the coordination of the Financial Controller. Support budgeting, forecasting, expenditure tracking, and preparation of routine financial information under the guidance of the Accountant and Financial Controller. Support the implementation of internal control procedures by checking the completeness of supporting documents and escalating exceptions to the Accountant or Financial Controller. Required Qualifications and Experience: Academic Education: At least a master’s or higher-level university degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field is required; Professional Certification: Membership of a professional body of accountants or chartered accountants such as ACCA, CPA, ANAN, ICAN etc Professional Experience: Strong attention to detail and accuracy. Strong understanding of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) cash basis, applicable Government of Nigeria requirements, and IFAD/AFD reporting requirements. Fluency in English and strong written and verbal communication skills. Practical working experience: with the Government of Nigeria and donor-funded projects (IFAD, AFD, World Bank), (essential). Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse team. At least 5 years of relevant post-qualification working experience, of which 3 years must be in a similar position in a reputable organization. (essential). Proven experience: in managing project budgets, financial reporting, and donor compliance. Skills: Inspiring confidence and developing highly effective relationships with finance and non-finance colleagues within Project, Cooperating Institutions, and implementing partners. Very strong technical skills in accounting. Presentation of financial and non-financial information Computer skills, word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. Terms and Conditions Travels: Regular travel to State PCOs in Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi and Kano. Occasional travel for IFAD / AFD missions and training. C ontract Duration: The duration of the assignment will be a two-year staff contract with annual evaluation of performance in line with the respective job description in accordance with the recommendation of the FMAFS, and renewable depending on satisfactory performance. Reporting and Location Located in Abuja, the FCT, and will report directly to the National Programme Coordinator. Remuneration Competitive package commensurate with qualifications and experience, in accordance with FGN/IFAD/AFD salary scales for nationally recruited project staff. How to apply Interested and qualified candidates should submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) applications in ten (10) copies, including one original and nine (9) photocopies, properly sealed and clearly marked at the top right-hand cover "EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR THE RECRUITMENT OF NATIONAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT UNIT UNDER THE FGN/IFAD/AFD-VCN PROJECT." Each envelope should include a CV and an application letter with a cover letter suited for the position being applied for. The sealed envelope should be addressed and delivered to: The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agricultural and Food Security, c/o Director, Federal Department of Development Partners Projects, Fadama House, No. 1, Eldoret Close, Off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II – Abuja. Application Deadline: 6th September, 2026 at 12:00 noon. View all Jobs in Nigeria Abuja and 1 other location Abuja , Wuse